Atletico Madrid’s bid for Arsenal target turned down

Atletico Madrid have had a bid for Argentinian striker Lautano Martinez turned down according to talkSPORT.

The 20-year old forward is currently playing for Racing Club in the Argentine First Division, and has scored 11 goals in 30 appearances for their senior side, as well as netting 8 times for his national side at under-20 level.

His appearances have attracted a lot of attention from Europe, with Arsenal, Monaco and Real Madrid all reported to be keen to sign him. However, Atletico were thought to be at the front of the queue, with their international transfer embargo due to end on January 1st.

Now comes news that Racing have turned down a bid of £12.75 million plus 10% of any future transfer surplus for the player, and have said that he will stay with the club until next June. This may prompt Atletico to raise their offer, or persuade Arsenal, or one of his other suitors, to make a pre-emptive bid for Martinez once the transfer window opens.

Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.